Welcome to our Nursery, otherwise known as “Eric Carle”, my name is Joanne Castle.
Our nursery is proudly named after Eric Carle, the beloved author and illustrator whose stories have inspired generations of children. His books — such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Mixed-Up Chameleon, and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? — are filled with themes that reflect the values we celebrate every day in our nursery.
Eric Carle’s stories teach kindness, as his gentle characters learn to care for others and themselves. They encourage curiosity and empathy, inviting children to see the world through many different eyes and experiences. Through colourful, creative artwork and simple but powerful storytelling, his books remind us that every child is unique, and that our differences make the world a more beautiful and interesting place.
Just like Eric Carle’s characters, our children are encouraged to explore, grow, and discover who they are — to celebrate their individuality while learning to be caring and kind members of our nursery community.
We do expect your child to be fully toilet trained when they start Nursery unless there is a medical or developmental reason, but obviously we understand that accidents can happen.
What is the Early Years Foundation Stage?
In EYFS, we strongly believe in the importance of practical, child-led learning, enabling children to investigate the world around them, ask questions and being there to help them to extend their skills, knowledge and understanding. We would like a child’s early experience of school to be that of joy, excitement and positive memories, the time that initiated a love of stories, early maths skills and pleasure of celebrating their individual achievements.
In September 2014 the Department for Education introduced a new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. This is statutory for all early years children and education providers. At our school the EYFS starts when your child enters Nursery and continues until the end of their time in Reception. The EYFS is a framework for child development from birth to the end of Reception Year of primary school. There are seven themes within the EYFS framework.
These seven themes are used to underpin the learning and development that your child will experience during their time in the EYFS. Children learn in many different ways: watching others, talking, asking questions, listening, exploring and investigating.
Play is the foundation of development and learning for young children and your child will continue to learn through play throughout the EYFS.
The EYFS recognises the importance of parents and carers working in partnership with the school to support their child’s learning. The most important way you can help your child is by talking, listening, playing and just having fun with them.
